Raytown current weather conditions

Weather Forecast

Monday100%

High 53°/Low 36°

Chance of Rain

Showers with a possible thunderstorm this morning, then variable clouds during the afternoon with still a chance of showers. High 53F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.

Tuesday20%

High 49°/Low 33°

Mostly Cloudy

A mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day. High 49F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday10%

High 57°/Low 41°

Clear

Plentiful sunshine. High 57F. Winds light and variable.

Thursday10%

High 68°/Low 47°

Partly Cloudy

Partly cloudy skies. High 68F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.

Friday20%

High 67°/Low 58°

Overcast

Cloudy skies. High 67F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph.

Saturday20%

High 60°/Low 38°

Mostly Cloudy

Considerable cloudiness. High near 60F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.

Sunday20%

High 57°/Low 41°

Overcast

Cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 57F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph.

Utility

Matthew Cushman, EMT-P, Charter Commission Candidate

By Michael Downing, on March 28th, 2014

Matthew Cushman, EMT-P, Charter Commission Candidate

1. What is your reason for running for Charter Commission?

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I simply have a profound love for my hometown. I have lived here all my life and invested a great deal of my personal and professional life in Raytown. I have always felt compelled to serve, and this is a great opportunity for me to help move Raytown forward and give more political influence where it belongs… to the people.

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2. What is your political experience? (positions you have held or ran for, from delegate to president)

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I have been a part of several campaigns that helped various political subdivisions including the City of Raytown. I have participated in the local delegate process for presidential elections as well. In addition to the campaign and direct political process I have engaged in, I have supervised an essential City Department (EMS) and feel that I have a strong working knowledge of what works at City Hall and what does not. I have first hand experience in dealing with the City’s elected body as well as other political bodies at the local and state level. But in the end, I am like any other person living in this City, I come with no hidden agenda, ax to grind, or strings attached. I think other candidates are concerning, as you can clearly see many ramp up the rhetoric already. The success of this commission will be forged by citizens taking ownership in the process. I want to be a part of that.

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3. Do you favor charter that simply implements:

a. Our present status quo.

b. Status quo with recall, referendum, and initiative added.

c. More extensive changes to our form of government.

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I don’t think any charter will just be a carbon copy of what is happening currently with out local government. It shouldn’t. Being a fourth class city prevents the City from being progressive and keeps the people locked out of the political arena. So, I think it will clearly fall somewhere between B and C, but understanding that referendum and recall needs to be the cornerstone by which we work. Those concepts are universally accepted and desired by the People of Raytown. Building on that will take compromise and understanding. I promise to work in the best interest of the people.

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3a. If your answer to question 3 was (c), what changes do you feel would be of benefit to our city?

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Great question. I feel the cornerstones of referendum and initiative are critical aspects and need to be implemented. This will change the dynamics in Raytown and give a greater voice to the people. I come with a lot of potential ideas on this subject, but believe my responsibility to listen to the people and support ideas that clearly are expressed with broad support is great. Things like residency of senior staff to the city marshal, all represent areas that have been discussed. I have an open mind on these issues and I am eager to hear from the people.

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4. What budgetary restraints and guideline should the Charter Commission implement to control the Commissions expenditures?

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I would suspect that a small amount of money would need to be set aside for the document to be vetted for legal implications that may conflict with other laws. I do feel that there needs to be a liaison from the City and some path to have access to answer legal questions. There are many ways to do this. However it should be expected that there be a cost.

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5. What benefits do you see a charter would bring to Raytown?

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Raytown residents have long had great ideas and passion for their City. Presently it takes years to change laws in Jefferson City just so we can attempt to have some self determination. Doing so cost thousands of taxpayers dollars in staff time and lobbyists. In addition, this opens the door for greater involvement by its citizens as initiatives could be passed that could better the City in many different ways. Many of those ways may be seen in the initial process as pull out amendments.